It affects every third Austrian: mental illness is commonplace. “Mental health is also an economic issue,” says Dr. Peter Kirschner, head of a center for mental strength in Vienna. People with mental illness are on sick leave for an average of 40 days a year. However, the problem is not yet recognized in politics: “Preventive measures fall completely through the grid,” the doctor criticized in a live conversation with Jürgen Winterleitner. Meanwhile, the number of those affected continues to rise: 59 percent of children already have depressive symptoms.
Another 14 percent had repeated suicidal thoughts. “The crises continue to feed things,” says Kirschner. But it is wrong to blame only external factors. One cause is homemade: the constant interaction on social media and the worrying screen times. The latter has recently increased among young people: from eight to about ten hours a day (!) among young people.
As so often, people in Austria think too short: Of course, mental illnesses in young people do not disappear into thin air when they enter the world of work. “Stress in working life amplifies the symptoms” – and with it the imbalance in our society. The increasing number of sick leave days proves: “Mental illnesses are not only bad for people, but also for the economy,” the doctor clarifies.
Health minister has ‘no time’ for mental health
The gist is clear: action must be taken long before illness occurs. But prevention doesn’t seem to be “fashionable” with the current government: “Preventive measures are falling completely through the rust,” says Kirschner.
Mental health does not seem to be a priority: Kirschner has already made several inquiries with Health Minister Rauch with his center ‘Anima Mentis’ – and has been rejected. “No time,” said the ministry. “How many crises do we need before the government finally takes action?” He denounces the political direction.
Limited therapy places: ‘We will still fall on our heads’
It is of course about the money: 33 million euros have been announced for mental health care at the end of 2023. Is that enough? “If you add a zero, then yes,” says the doctor. And: “The big obstacle is that the therapy places are limited”. There are 90,000 in Austria. For nearly nine billion people. “That will fall on our heads en masse in the coming years,” predicts Kirschner.
“Depression isn’t just depression”
When stress becomes so great that daily activities are hindered, it is referred to as a mental illness. In an interview, doctor Kirschner explains what distinguishes winter depression from depression and what both those affected and their relatives can do.
You can see the entire interview with Peter Kirschner in the video above. KroneLIVE can be seen from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m.
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Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
